New school supplies and backpacks to be given to Westport students in need

Published 7:33 pm, Thursday, July 24, 2014

A "Back to School Program" that offers new backpacks and school supplies to income-eligible children in Westport will run this year from Monday, Aug. 4, through Friday, Aug. 8. The children's families also will be given gift cards to help pay for school shoes and clothes.

Last year, 188 Westport students from 100 income-eligible families received back-to-school supplies as well as gift cards for a new pair of school shoes, according to Barbara Butler, director of the Westport Department of Human Services. The Back to School program depends solely upon the generosity of community individuals and organizations, she said.

The Department of Human Services accepts tax-deductible monetary donations made payable to "Town of Westport/DHS Family Programs" (memo: Backpacks) and mailed to: Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport, CT 06880. Donations of new school supplies of all types, including backpacks, may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 200 at Westport Town Hall. In addition, gift cards of any amount to Staples, Target, Walmart, Old Navy, Payless and other stores are needed.

Families who feel they may qualify for this program should contact the Department of Human Services, 203-341-1050. For more information, contact Sarah Heath at sheath@westportct.gov or 203-341-1050.